Two Ridgefield unions reject salary freezes

Published 1:00 am, Friday, March 6, 2009

RIDGEFIELD -- Two town employee unions have rejected Ridgefield town officials' request for salary freezes that would save some $370,000 in 2009-10.

The clerical union and the
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
, which represents the town's parks and recreation, highway and golf course workers, sent a "no" to the selectmen this week. The police and fire unions have yet to respond.
"I believe they felt other ways to cut could be looked at,"
First Selectman Rudy Marconi
said Friday. "I thought we had been clear that (other) cuts had been made that affected all people and programs across the board."
Marconi said if the unions are unwilling to work with the town and find ways to make the $370,000 reduction, more town employees may be laid off.
While the clerical union president could not be reached for comment Friday , the president of the AFSCME said his people were "more than willing to talk."
"We disagreed with what the town was offering," said

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, union president. "We do not want layoffs, and we want more discussion. Our solution to the problem would be to offer early retirement for the guys who are close to retirement or at retirement age."
Hochadel said he believes the unions were approached by town officials to enter a discussion, not a negotiation, about pay freezes. In early January meetings all the unions were asked for ideas on cutting costs, but none of their suggestions was implemented, he said.
He hopes the situation doesn't take "a negative turn," with finger pointing and accusations.
"We think it is early on to start implementing these changes," he said. "There is still the (federal economic) stimulus package coming through. We think there's time for more discussion. These are people's jobs and their families that are being affected."